Governor Mills Directs Flags Lowered Statewide on Thursday

Flags to be lowered in concert with funeral services for the Honorable Gerald Talbot, Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts

Governor Janet Mills has directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered statewide from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in honor of the Honorable Gerald Talbot and Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts, both of whom will be laid to rest that day.

Talbot, Maine's first Black legislator and the founding president of the Maine NAACP, will be honored at Merrill Auditorium in Portland at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Tibbetts, an 18-year member of the Maine Warden Service, was killed last week in a tragic plane crash. Funeral services will be held at the Cross Insurance Arena in Bangor at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.

"I have directed flags lowered in honor of two extraordinary public servants who dedicated their lives to the State of Maine," said Governor Janet Mills. "Gerald Talbot made history as Maine's first Black legislator and helped open doors for generations of Maine people. Warden Joshua Tibbets devoted his career to protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources of our state. I urge all Maine people to join me in honoring their service and their lasting contributions to our state."

Governor Mills previously issued a statement mourning the passing of Gerald Talbot. The Governor's remarks honoring Warden Tibbetts at a Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife press conference are available here.

The Governor intends to lower flags to coincide with funeral services for Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross. Details will be announced at a later date.